Isaiah 8:2

KJV

And I took unto me faithful witnesses to record, Uriah the priest, and Zechariah the son of Jeberechiah.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I took {H5749} unto me faithful {H539} witnesses {H5707} to record {H5749}, Uriah {H223} the priest {H3548}, and Zechariah {H2148} the son {H1121} of Jeberechiah {H3000}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I had it witnessed for me by reliable witnesses - Uriyah the cohen and Z'kharyahu the son of Y'verekhyahu.

Berean Standard Bible

And I will appoint for Myself trustworthy witnesses—Uriah the priest and Zechariah son of Jeberekiah.”

American Standard Version

and I will take unto me faithful witnesses to record, Uriah the priest, and Zechariah the son of Jeberechiah.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
In a critical moment for Judah, the prophet Isaiah, acting under divine command, publicly authenticates a significant prophecy by enlisting two prominent and trustworthy figures, Uriah the priest and Zechariah the son of Jeberechiah, as "faithful witnesses." This deliberate act underscores the absolute certainty and divine authority of God's impending judgment and deliverance, ensuring that the prophecy's future fulfillment would be undeniably attributed to the Lord's sovereign hand, thereby precluding any interpretation of it as mere chance or human speculation.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows [Isaiah 8:1](/isaiah/8-1 "Isaiah 8:1 - The Great Tablet and Symbolic Name"), where the Lord instructs Isaiah to inscribe a prophecy on a large, public tablet using a common writing instrument. This inscription concerns the symbolic name "Maher-shalal-hash-baz," meaning "swift to the spoil, hasty to the prey," a direct prophetic sign foreshadowing the rapid and devastating Assyrian invasion of Syria and the northern kingdom of Israel (Ephraim). The act of taking witnesses in [Isaiah 8:2](/isaiah/8-2 "Isaiah 8:2 - Witnesses to the Prophecy") serves to authenticate this written prophecy, imbuing it with legal and public weight. It is a direct continuation of God's communication strategy, which began with the sign of Immanuel in [Isaiah 7:14](/isaiah/7-14 "Isaiah 7:14 - The Sign of Immanuel") and sought to reassure King Ahaz and Judah amidst the Syro-Ephraimite War described throughout [Isaiah 7](/isaiah/7 "Isaiah 7 - The Syro-Ephraimite War and Immanuel"). The witnesses ensure the prophecy’s credibility and future verification, demonstrating God’s meticulous care in communicating His will to a skeptical nation.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophecy in [Isaiah 8](/isaiah/8 "Isaiah 8 - Prophecy of Assyrian Invasion") unfolds during the tumultuous reign of King Ahaz of Judah (735-715 BC), a period characterized by profound geopolitical instability. Judah found itself caught between the burgeoning power of the Neo-Assyrian Empire and the immediate threat posed by the Syro-Ephraimite coalition (Syria and Northern Israel), which aimed to compel Judah into an anti-Assyrian alliance. Despite Isaiah's counsel to trust solely in the Lord (cf. [Isaiah 7:4](/isaiah/7-4 "Isaiah 7:4 - Do Not Fear")), Ahaz chose instead to seek military assistance from Assyria, a decision that would have severe and lasting consequences for Judah's sovereignty and spiritual integrity. In ancient Near Eastern societies, and particularly under Mosaic Law, the testimony of multiple witnesses was indispensable for establishing the truth and validity of any legal or official matter (e.g., [Deuteronomy 19:15](/deuteronomy/19-15 "Deuteronomy 19:15 - Law of Witnesses")). By appointing Uriah the priest and Zechariah the son of Jeberechiah, both men of considerable public standing and presumed integrity, Isaiah (and by extension, God) ensured that the prophecy was given the highest possible level of public authentication, making its future fulfillment an undeniable testament to divine foresight and sovereignty.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several foundational themes prevalent throughout the book of Isaiah and broader biblical theology. Firstly, it emphatically underscores **Divine Validation** and **Prophetic Certainty**. God does not communicate His critical pronouncements in whispers or obscure riddles; rather, He provides public, attested declarations designed to eradicate all doubt concerning His word. The deliberate act of taking witnesses demonstrates that God stands immutably behind His pronouncements, guaranteeing their precise fulfillment. Secondly, it highlights the **Importance of Witnesses** within God's economy, not merely for legal authentication but also for the faithful transmission of divine truth across generations. These witnesses serve as living proof that God's intricate plan is unfolding exactly as declared. Lastly, it subtly reinforces the theme of **Accountability**, both for those who hear the prophecy and for the witnesses themselves, who are now publicly associated with God's unfolding plan for Judah and the nations, underscoring the serious nature of divine revelation.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **took (Hebrew, _ʻûwd'_):** H5749, a primitive root meaning "to duplicate or repeat; by implication, to protest, testify (as by reiteration); intensively, to encompass, restore." In this context, it signifies the formal and deliberate act of appointing individuals to bear witness, emphasizing the official and verifiable nature of the prophecy. It implies a solemn, public act of calling upon someone to attest to a fact, reinforcing the idea of a repeated, firm declaration that demands attention and belief.
* **faithful (Hebrew, _ʼâman'_):** H539, a primitive root meaning "to build up or support; to foster as a parent or nurse; figuratively to render (or be) firm or faithful, to trust or believe, to be permanent or quiet; morally to be true or certain." This word describes the essential character of the chosen witnesses, indicating their trustworthiness, reliability, and integrity. Their "faithfulness" implies they are dependable individuals whose testimony would be accepted as true and binding by the community, thereby lending significant moral and legal weight to the recorded prophecy.
* **witnesses (Hebrew, _ʻêd'_):** H5707, contracted from H5749 (`ʻûwd`), meaning "concretely, a witness; abstractly, testimony; specifically, a recorder, i.e. prince." This noun directly derives from the verb "to took" or "to testify," underscoring their active, rather than passive, role as those who will attest to the truth of what has been written. They are not mere observers but active participants whose presence validates the divine message, serving as human guarantors of the prophecy's authenticity and future verification.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I took unto me faithful witnesses to record,"**: This opening clause establishes the divine initiative behind the entire act. The "I" refers to the prophet Isaiah, who is acting under direct and explicit command from God. The phrase "took unto me" implies a deliberate, formal selection process, not a casual or accidental encounter. The individuals chosen are specifically designated as "faithful witnesses," highlighting their integrity, reliability, and the trustworthiness essential for those whose testimony would validate a public document of such profound significance. Their purpose is "to record," which here means to attest to, confirm, or bear witness to the written prophecy, ensuring its authenticity and future verification. This act elevates the prophecy from a private revelation to a publicly attested, legally binding declaration.
* **"Uriah the priest,"**: The first witness named is Uriah, identified by his prominent religious office. This is most likely the same Uriah mentioned in [2 Kings 16:10-16](/2_kings/16-10 "2 Kings 16:10-16 - Uriah's Compliance with Ahaz"), who, despite his high position, later complied with King Ahaz's idolatrous commands concerning the temple altar. However, at the time of this prophecy, his standing as "the priest" (likely the high priest or a very senior priest) would have lent immense official weight and credibility to his testimony. His involvement signifies the implicit acknowledgment of the prophecy by the religious establishment.
* **"and Zechariah the son of Jeberechiah."**: The second witness is Zechariah, identified by his patronymic. While less is definitively known about him from biblical texts, his inclusion alongside Uriah strongly suggests he was also a person of significant public standing and integrity within Judah. The name "Zechariah" (H2148, _Zᵉkaryâh_) means "Jah has remembered," and "Jeberechiah" (H3000, _Yᵉberekyâhûw_) means "blessed of Jah." Some scholarly proposals suggest he may have been a prominent scribe, a royal official, or even the father-in-law of King Ahaz, which would further solidify the prophecy's connection to the royal court and its official recognition. His presence ensures a second, independent witness, fulfilling the legal requirement for validation and strengthening the prophecy's public standing.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah employs several potent literary devices to amplify the impact and inherent authority of this verse. The very act of taking witnesses functions as **Legal Imagery**, drawing directly upon the established legal customs of the ancient Near East and, more specifically, Israelite law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 17:6](/deuteronomy/17-6 "Deuteronomy 17:6 - Two or Three Witnesses Required")). This imagery imbues the prophecy with an air of officiality and irrefutability, emphasizing its binding and undeniable nature. The naming of specific, prominent individuals like Uriah and Zechariah serves as a powerful form of **Authentication** and **Verisimilitude**, grounding the divine message in tangible, historical reality. It makes the prophecy concrete and verifiable, not an abstract or ethereal pronouncement. Furthermore, the selection of "faithful" witnesses, despite Uriah's later moral failings (known to later readers), highlights God's initial choice of individuals whose public reputation would initially lend credibility, setting the stage for the undeniable fulfillment of the prophecy to be seen as God's work, rather than human contrivance. This also subtly introduces **Dramatic Irony** for those familiar with Uriah's subsequent actions, underscoring that even flawed human instruments can be sovereignly used by God for His perfect purposes.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 8:2 profoundly illustrates God's unwavering commitment to the reliability and public verification of His prophetic word. By enlisting "faithful witnesses," God provides irrefutable proof of His active involvement in human history and the absolute certainty of His declared purposes. This act not only authenticates the specific prophecy concerning Assyria but also establishes a foundational principle for understanding all divine communication: God's word is inherently trustworthy, demonstrably verifiable, and ultimately will be fulfilled with precision. It sets a pattern of divine testimony that culminates in the ultimate, perfect witness of Jesus Christ.

* [Deuteronomy 19:15](/deuteronomy/19-15 "Deuteronomy 19:15 - The Law of Witnesses") - "One witness shall not rise up against a man for any iniquity, or for any sin, in any sin that he sinneth: at the mouth of two witnesses, or at the mouth of three witnesses, shall the matter be established."
* [John 5:31-39](/john/5-31 "John 5:31-31 - Jesus' Witnesses") - "If I bear witness of myself, my witness is not true. There is another that beareth witness of me; and I know that the witness which he witnesseth of me is true... Ye sent unto John, and he bare witness unto the truth... But I have greater witness than that of John: for the works which the Father hath given me to finish, the same works that I do, bear witness of me, that the Father hath sent me. And the Father himself, which hath sent me, hath borne witness of me."
* [Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Witnesses to the Ends of the Earth") - "But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The meticulous care God takes to authenticate His word in Isaiah 8:2 serves as a profound and enduring reassurance for believers today. In an age saturated with information, misinformation, and pervasive skepticism, this verse powerfully reminds us that God's truth is not based on fleeting opinions, human conjecture, or subjective feelings, but on His unchangeable character and verifiable actions woven throughout history. Just as the ancient prophecy was publicly attested and ultimately fulfilled, so too are the timeless promises of God for our lives and for the future of His kingdom. We can rest in the absolute certainty that what God has spoken, He will faithfully bring to pass, even when circumstances seem chaotic, uncertain, or contrary to His declared will. This divine certainty should inspire a deeper, unwavering trust in His Word, fostering a resilient faith that anchors us amidst life's storms. Furthermore, as recipients of God's revealed truth, we are called to embody the spirit of these "faithful witnesses." We are to be reliable and authentic testifiers to God's goodness, power, and saving grace in our own generation, living lives that consistently authenticate the truth of the Gospel to a watching and often cynical world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's deliberate act of taking "faithful witnesses" in Isaiah 8:2 strengthen your personal trust in the reliability and authority of His Word today?**
* **In what specific ways can you, as a follower of Christ, serve as a "faithful witness" to God's truth and His transformative power in your daily life, relationships, and community?**
* **Considering the historical context of fear, political instability, and spiritual uncertainty in Judah, how does the certainty of God's prophecy, publicly attested, offer comfort, guidance, and hope to those facing difficult or uncertain times today?**
* **What particular promises of God are you currently holding onto, and how does the concept of divine authentication, as demonstrated in this verse, encourage and fortify your faith in those specific areas?**

### FAQ

**Who were Uriah the priest and Zechariah the son of Jeberechiah, and why were they chosen as witnesses?**

Answer: Uriah the priest was a prominent religious figure in Judah during the reign of King Ahaz, likely holding the position of high priest or a very senior priestly role. He is also mentioned in [2 Kings 16:10-16](/2_kings/16-10 "2 Kings 16:10-16 - Uriah's Compliance with Ahaz") for his compliance with King Ahaz's idolatrous commands concerning the temple altar. Zechariah the son of Jeberechiah is less known from biblical texts, but his inclusion alongside Uriah strongly suggests he was also a person of significant public standing and perceived integrity. Some scholars speculate he might have been a prominent scribe, a royal official, or even King Ahaz's father-in-law. They were chosen as witnesses because their public standing, credibility, and official positions would lend maximum credibility and official weight to Isaiah's prophecy, ensuring its authenticity and public recognition in accordance with ancient Near Eastern legal customs, particularly the Israelite requirement for multiple witnesses.

**Why was it necessary for Isaiah to take witnesses for this prophecy?**

Answer: The act of taking witnesses was crucial for several profound reasons, primarily to underscore the divine authority and absolute certainty of the prophecy. In ancient Israelite culture, especially under Mosaic Law (e.g., [Deuteronomy 19:15](/deuteronomy/19-15 "Deuteronomy 19:15 - Law of Witnesses")), multiple witnesses were required to establish the truth and validity of any matter, particularly one of public or legal significance. By having Uriah and Zechariah attest to the prophecy written on a public tablet (as described in [Isaiah 8:1](/isaiah/8-1 "Isaiah 8:1 - The Great Tablet and Symbolic Name")), God ensured that His word was not a private revelation, a mere human speculation, or a casual pronouncement, but a publicly verified and undeniable declaration. This meticulous approach eliminated any doubt regarding the prophecy's divine origin and guaranteed that its future fulfillment would be recognized unmistakably as the sovereign work of God, rather than coincidence.

**What is the significance of the symbolic name "Maher-shalal-hash-baz" mentioned in the preceding verse?**

Answer: The symbolic name "Maher-shalal-hash-baz" (mentioned in [Isaiah 8:1](/isaiah/8-1 "Isaiah 8:1 - The Great Tablet and Symbolic Name") and further elaborated in [Isaiah 8:3-4](/isaiah/8-3 "Isaiah 8:3-4 - Birth of Maher-shalal-hash-baz")) means "swift to the spoil, hasty to the prey." This name serves as a powerful and concise prophetic sign, foreshadowing the imminent and rapid invasion of Syria and the northern kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) by the Assyrian Empire. It signifies that before a child born to Isaiah would be old enough to speak, these two nations, which were currently threatening Judah, would be utterly plundered by Assyria. The name is a vivid, summary declaration of the coming judgment and a testament to God's sovereign control over international events, even those involving powerful empires and their geopolitical machinations.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 8:2, with its emphasis on "faithful witnesses" to a divinely ordained and publicly attested prophecy, finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in the person and redemptive work of Jesus Christ. Just as the prophecy concerning Maher-shalal-hash-baz was publicly attested to ensure its certainty and future recognition, so too was the entire redemptive plan of God, culminating in Christ, attested by an array of unimpeachable witnesses. Jesus himself is supremely the "faithful and true witness" ([Revelation 3:14](/revelation/3-14 "Revelation 3:14 - The Faithful and True Witness")), the very embodiment of God's ultimate testimony to humanity. His miraculous life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection were not hidden events but were witnessed by many, as powerfully affirmed by the apostles (e.g., [Acts 10:39-41](/acts/10-39 "Acts 10:39-41 - Witnesses to Christ's Resurrection")). The entire Old Testament, with its intricate prophecies, types, and patterns, serves as an undeniable witness to Christ (e.g., [Luke 24:27](/luke/24-27 "Luke 24:27 - Jesus Explains the Scriptures")), and the Holy Spirit continually bears powerful witness to Him ([John 15:26](/john/15-26 "John 15:26 - The Spirit of Truth Bears Witness")). Moreover, the Church itself is divinely commissioned to be Christ's witnesses "unto the uttermost part of the earth" ([Acts 1:8](/acts/1-8 "Acts 1:8 - Witnesses to the Ends of the Earth")), faithfully carrying forward the attested, verifiable truth of His saving work. Thus, the principle of divine authentication through witnesses, so clearly demonstrated in Isaiah 8:2, points forward to God's perfect, undeniable, and eternally significant testimony in Christ, the one in whom all God's magnificent promises find their resounding "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

2 Kings 16:10

¶ And king Ahaz went to Damascus to meet Tiglathpileser king of Assyria, and saw an altar that [was] at Damascus: and king Ahaz sent to Urijah the priest the fashion of the altar, and the pattern of it, according to all the workmanship thereof.

2 Kings 16:11

And Urijah the priest built an altar according to all that king Ahaz had sent from Damascus: so Urijah the priest made [it] against king Ahaz came from Damascus.

2 Kings 18:2

Twenty and five years old was he when he began to reign; and he reigned twenty and nine years in Jerusalem. His mother's name also [was] Abi, the daughter of Zachariah.

2 Kings 16:15

And king Ahaz commanded Urijah the priest, saying, Upon the great altar burn the morning burnt offering, and the evening meat offering, and the king's burnt sacrifice, and his meat offering, with the burnt offering of all the people of the land, and their meat offering, and their drink offerings; and sprinkle upon it all the blood of the burnt offering, and all the blood of the sacrifice: and the brasen altar shall be for me to enquire [by].

2 Kings 16:16

Thus did Urijah the priest, according to all that king Ahaz commanded.

2 Corinthians 13:1

¶ This [is] the third [time] I am coming to you. In the mouth of two or three witnesses shall every word be established.

Ruth 4:10

Moreover Ruth the Moabitess, the wife of Mahlon, have I purchased to be my wife, to raise up the name of the dead upon his inheritance, that the name of the dead be not cut off from among his brethren, and from the gate of his place: ye [are] witnesses this day.